Tennessee SR-22 requirements after a DUI
Tennessee requires an SR-22 filing after a DUI; the period is set by the state rule quoted below.
What Tennessee says
SR-22 (Tennessee uses the SR-22 form). The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's Financial Responsibility Laws page lists 'SR-22 Insurance' and a $50 SR-22 fee among the DUI reinstatement requirements, and its Restricted License page requires SR-22 liability insurance for a DUI restricted license. The Department does not set a fixed number of years: both the Financial Responsibility Laws page and the Department's 'Do I need SR-22 Insurance?' article state that SR-22 insurance must be maintained for the length of the suspension or revocation period, after which it may be cancelled if not required on another suspension; sr22Years is therefore null. Cancelling the SR-22 before the requirement is complete can result in suspension for Failure to Maintain Future Proof of Financial Responsibility (T.C.A. 55-12-126).
“Reinstatement fees : $103 Reinstatement fee, $50 SR-22 Fee, $75 Failure to Surrender License Fee (if applicable)”
Ignition interlock statute (see the state page): Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-425
At a glance
| Filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Form | SR-22 |
| Filing period | See the state's wording above |
| License reinstatement fee | $103 |
| Licensing agency | Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security |
How an SR-22 filing works
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. The driver does not file it; the insurer does, electronically, with the state licensing agency, confirming that a policy meeting the state's minimum liability limits is in force. Most insurers charge a one-time filing fee, and a driver who needs one may find that fewer carriers offer it or that premiums are higher.
The filing must stay on file for the period the state sets. If the policy is cancelled or lapses during that period, the insurer notifies the state (an SR-26), and the license is typically suspended again until a new filing is made — which can restart the period.
The period usually starts at reinstatement, not at the arrest or conviction, though states differ; where the state specifies the start date, the note on this page says so.
Questions about SR-22 in Tennessee
- What does it cost to reinstate a Tennessee license after a DUI?
- TDOSHS's Financial Responsibility Laws page lists DUI reinstatement fees of $103 (reinstatement fee), $50 (SR-22 fee) and, if applicable, $75 (failure to surrender license fee), along with serving the revocation period, court certification, SR-22 insurance, surrender of the Tennessee license and, if applicable, drug/alcohol certification.
- How long is SR-22 insurance required after a Tennessee DUI?
- TDOSHS states that when a violation requires SR-22 insurance, the proof must be maintained with the Department for the length of the suspension or revocation period, and may be maintained with a restricted license or upon reinstatement. If the SR-22 policy is cancelled before the requirement is completed, driving privileges may be suspended for failure to maintain future proof of financial responsibility (T.C.A. 55-12-126).